Franz Wagner dedicates EuroBasket 2025 gold to injured brother Moritz as Germany makes history
Franz Wagner dedicated Germany's EuroBasket 2025 gold to his injured brother Moritz in addition to respectfully reacting to Ergin Ataman's audacious pre-final comments. However, this title had a different kind of significance for Franz. His older brother Moritz Wagner was unable to join the team due to an ACL tear. Franz honored him by wearing his brother's jersey during the entire Riga Arena celebration. He took to the stage wearing the same jersey as well.
Franz Wagner honors injured brother Moritz after leading Germany to EuroBasket 2025 glory
Germany has formally established itself as the dominant force in international basketball by winning both the World and European titles. Following their victory in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, they defeated Turkiye 88-83 in the final to win the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 championship.
With 18 points and eight rebounds in the championship game, Franz Wagner was one of the main contributors to the gold medal run. He earned a well-respected place on the All-EuroBasket Five with an average of 20.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game during the tournament.
However, Moritz Wagner, his older brother, was unable to join the team. Franz then wore his brother's jersey during the full Riga Arena celebration in his honor.
Justifying the same, after the win, he said:
"I mean, that's why I'm wearing a jersey.. Obviously, he had a tough injury, and he's trying to get back as fast as possible. Couldn't be here, but I think everybody on the team knows that he's part of the group. It's part of what we're building."
He further revealed that he spoke with Moe after the win and said:
"Yeah, I talked to him. He's super happy."
Franz Wagner recently revealed that his brother, Moe, is keeping close tabs on EuroBasket 2025. In fact, as Franz highlighted that:
“He’s watching all the games for sure. And obviously, we talk to him a bunch, so I know that he would love to be here”.
Moritz Wagner’s ACL injury sidelined him from EuroBasket 2025
By wearing his brother's jersey to the award ceremony, Franz Wagner, who finished with 18 points that evening, moved his brother, Moritz, to tears. Due to an injury, Moritz was unable to participate in EuroBasket, but he was watching from California and providing match analysis for a German broadcaster.
With 2:33 remaining in the first quarter, he left the game after just one and a half minutes of action. Later, the condition was identified as a torn anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL. According to reports, Wagner underwent reconstructive surgery in January.
The player suffered as a result of being off the court. Talking about it, he said in February:
"It's awful to have surgery, especially if you want to play and you don't get to.. But that is a component of it. Don't overthink everything; instead, rely on your network of support and take things one day at a time. It's emotional, of course, and it means a lot to be able to play, but now [it] means much more..”
Meanwhile, Moritz and Franz both played for the team that won the 2023 World Cup. They are both extremely talented players.
Also read: Giannis Antetokounmpo celebrates EuroBasket bronze as Kostas Antetokounmpo faces uncertain NBA future
Franz Wagner honors injured brother Moritz after leading Germany to EuroBasket 2025 glory
Germany has formally established itself as the dominant force in international basketball by winning both the World and European titles. Following their victory in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, they defeated Turkiye 88-83 in the final to win the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 championship.
With 18 points and eight rebounds in the championship game, Franz Wagner was one of the main contributors to the gold medal run. He earned a well-respected place on the All-EuroBasket Five with an average of 20.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game during the tournament.
However, Moritz Wagner, his older brother, was unable to join the team. Franz then wore his brother's jersey during the full Riga Arena celebration in his honor.
Justifying the same, after the win, he said:
"I mean, that's why I'm wearing a jersey.. Obviously, he had a tough injury, and he's trying to get back as fast as possible. Couldn't be here, but I think everybody on the team knows that he's part of the group. It's part of what we're building."
He further revealed that he spoke with Moe after the win and said:
"Yeah, I talked to him. He's super happy."
Franz Wagner recently revealed that his brother, Moe, is keeping close tabs on EuroBasket 2025. In fact, as Franz highlighted that:
“He’s watching all the games for sure. And obviously, we talk to him a bunch, so I know that he would love to be here”.
Moritz Wagner’s ACL injury sidelined him from EuroBasket 2025
By wearing his brother's jersey to the award ceremony, Franz Wagner, who finished with 18 points that evening, moved his brother, Moritz, to tears. Due to an injury, Moritz was unable to participate in EuroBasket, but he was watching from California and providing match analysis for a German broadcaster.
With 2:33 remaining in the first quarter, he left the game after just one and a half minutes of action. Later, the condition was identified as a torn anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL. According to reports, Wagner underwent reconstructive surgery in January.
The player suffered as a result of being off the court. Talking about it, he said in February:
"It's awful to have surgery, especially if you want to play and you don't get to.. But that is a component of it. Don't overthink everything; instead, rely on your network of support and take things one day at a time. It's emotional, of course, and it means a lot to be able to play, but now [it] means much more..”
Meanwhile, Moritz and Franz both played for the team that won the 2023 World Cup. They are both extremely talented players.
Also read: Giannis Antetokounmpo celebrates EuroBasket bronze as Kostas Antetokounmpo faces uncertain NBA future
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